KATHMANDU: As a significant step toward strengthening local energy planning and implementation, Municipal Energy Plans (MEPs) of Varagung Muktichhetra and Gharapjhong Rural Municipalities in Mustang were formally handed over to the respective local governments on Wednesday.

According to a press release issued on Friday, the handover ceremonies were held at the municipality offices where Dr Ranjan Prakash Shrestha, senior project manager at the European Union Delegation to Nepal and Dr Frank Fecher, Program Manager at GIZ Nepal, formally presented the MEPs to Rinzen Namgel Gurung, chairperson of Varagung Muktichhetra Rural Municipality, and Mohan Singh Lalchan, chairperson of Gharapjhong Rural Municipality.

The MEPs were developed by the Municipalities with technical support from the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Program – Green Recovery and Empowerment with Energy in Nepal (REEEP-GREEN) project implemented by GIZ Nepal.

Developed through extensive consultations with communities and stakeholders, the five-year plans provide a practical roadmap to address local energy challenges while promoting socio-economic development, climate resilience and clean energy use, according to the press release.

“The plans aim to increase the productive use of grid-connected electricity and renewable energy technologies. This enables local communities – the smallest but most important players in an emerging Nepal – to become the architects of their own productive growth and prosperity,” the press release stated.

“The Municipal Energy Plan gives us a clear direction to move toward affordable, locally available, and cleaner energy solutions,” the press release quoted Rinzen Namgel Gurung, chairperson of Varagung Muktichhetra Rural Municipality, as saying. “We aim to implement these activities in collaboration with government agencies and development partners.”

The MEPs include detailed market-based cost estimates, ensuring that the proposed interventions are both technically feasible and economically viable. Varagung Muktichhetra Rural Municipality has estimated a total implementation budget of Rs 147.3 million, while Gharapjhong Rural Municipality has allocated Rs 218.9 million for a five-year period.

Chairperson Mohan Singh Lalchan of Gharapjhong Rural Municipality noted that the plan provides a comprehensive overview of the rural municipality’s situation, priorities and investment needs, serving as a strong foundation for collaboration with government and development partners. He also highlighted the importance of REEEP-GREEN–supported 21-day house wiring training for local youths, which will improve livelihoods while enhancing electrical safety in the community.

“Municipal Energy Plans are important tools, but their success depends on strong local ownership and implementation,” the press release quoted Dr Ranjan Prakash Shrestha from the European Union Delegation to Nepal, as saying. “These plans can help reduce dependence on imported fuels, lower household energy costs, and strengthen climate resilience in Mustang’s vulnerable communities.”

Alongside the MEP handover, the event marked the inauguration of the energy-retrofitted office room at Gharapjhong Rural Municipality office, demonstrating the practical application of energy efficiency measures in public buildings. The retrofit was implemented under the Building Energy Efficiency in Nepal (BEEN) project with financial support from the European Union.

Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Programme – Green Recovery and Empowerment with Energy in Nepal (REEEP-GREEN) is a technical cooperation project between the Government of Nepal, the Federal Republic of Germany (BMZ) and the European Union (EU). The project promotes renewable energy and energy efficiency across Nepal.